UST rookie Xyza Gula burst onto the collegiate scene with her offensive prowess and explosive athleticism in the preseason, but in UAAP Season 85, the Tigresses will mainly rely on her defense as she is set to take on the libero role.
Gula, a natural open spiker, was named the replacement of long-time team libero Janel Delerio just weeks before UST’s Season 85 campaign kicks off on Feb. 26.
UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said the decision was made as the Tigresses needed more defense.
“Ako personally ang nag-decide na we use Xyza as a libero this season,” Reyes told the Varsitarian. “Nakakadagdag si Xyza sa depensa, at ‘yun ang kailangan i-fill ng team. Ang dami nating mamamalo na malalaki; ‘yung dedepensa ang kailangan.”
Although her position change came to her as a shock, Gula said she would be ready for her new role.
“Iniisip ko ‘yung positive side, kung saan ba ako makakatulong sa team talaga,” she told the Varsitarian. “Kung sa open kasi, andyan naman sina ate Milena (Alessandrini), sina ate Eya (Laure), so siguro mas makakatulong ako sa team if magli-libero ako.”
The 19-year-old added that changing roles was a sacrifice she was willing to make to improve herself and help the team.
“Naisip ko rin na ako na lang ang magli-libero since may time pa naman ako, may playing years pa ako ahead,” she said. “So naisip ko rin na ako na lang ang magpapaubaya.”
The last time Gula played as libero was in fifth grade. As an open spiker in high school, the Tacloban native bagged several awards including Most Valuable Player and Best Attacker in Eastern Visayas meets.
Luckily for the entrepreneurship freshman, she has on her side a mentor in Bernadett Pepito, a five-time UAAP Best Libero awardee.
“Gina-guide ako ni Ate Det (Pepito) talaga kung saan ako dapat, kung san ako poposisyon, kung saan dapat dalhin ang bola,” Gula said. “Parang di naman masyadong mahirap (‘yung transition) kasi maraming nag-ga-guide and maraming nagsusuporta.”
Reyes admits that changing Gula’s role at the last minute was a “difficult” decision, but he is ecstatic to see how the rookie grows in her new role.
“Difficult ‘yung decision, pero kailangang masaktan para tumibay,” the coach said. “Noong una, meron siyang konting tanong, pero willing naman siyang i-accept yung bago niyang role, at para sa akin, it will be a benefit for her kasi mas magi-improve siya sa depensa.”
According to Reyes, the Tigresses will be open to using Gula in her natural position in games when the team needs it.
“Gagawin ko pa rin yung best ko as a libero,” Gula said.
